Carbohydrates A1 Flashcards
(11 cards)
Define Monomers
Monomers are small, single units that act as the building blocks to create larger molecules.
Define Polymers
Polymers are made up of many monomers, usually thousands, chemically bonded together.
Describe a condensation reaction
A condensation reaction is a chemical reaction that involves the removal of water from monomers, enabling a chemical bond to form between the monomers.
Describe a hydrolysis reaction
A hydrolysis reaction is the opposite of a condensation reaction. A water molecule is added between two bonded monomers (within a dimer or polymer) to break the chemical bond.
Define Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are key biological molecules that store energy and can provide structural support to plant cells.
How are larger carbohydrates, such as sucrose and starch, formed?
Larger carbohydrates, such as sucrose and starch, are made from monosaccharides.
Describe the monomers of carbohydrates and their functions.
The monomers of carbohydrates are known as monosaccharides, which include glucose, galactose, and fructose. They are all sugars that are soluble in water. Their functions are either to provide energy or they are building blocks to create other molecules.
Define the general formula for a monosaccharide and what does ‘n’ represent in this formula.
The general formula for a monosaccharide is CnH2nOn, where ‘n’ represents the number of carbon atoms it contains.
How do α glucose and β glucose differ structurally?
α glucose and β glucose only differ structurally on one of their carbon atoms. It is the carbon atom that the H and OH swap position on.
Do all carbohydrates contain the same three elements? If so, what are they?
Yes, all carbohydrates contain the same three elements: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (CHO).
Which type of carbohydrates are classified as sugars?
Monosaccharides and disaccharides are the types of carbohydrates that are classified as sugars.
